News

Buzz on Youtopia

Youtopia 18, MAR A few weeks ago, I was invited through Twitter to learn more about Youtopia, an amazing platform for gamifying learning and service. Gamification is a motivational tool which commonly relies on “badges” or some other outside incentive to promote behavior. Think of “achievements” in video games – progressing in a game is a game in and of itself. Youtopia lets you take this mentality and apply it to students and club members. Nevertheless, the administrator of the group has the power to set badges and requirements for earning them, making this platform available for gamifying practically anything. The product is, in short, amazing; but the service is more astounding. I was given a free demonstration of the software and even invited to try the product out with any groups I’m involved with. More importantly, this invitation extends to anyone interested. If you are at all interested in this software, let me know, and I will connect you. Follow Zach on twitter @Zlipp and visit his blog

Built in Chicago chose Youtopia: Startup of the month

Built in Chicago chose Youtopia as “Startup of the Month” for January, 2013. A new year is full of new opportunities. Some are still reeling from the post apocalyptic anticlimax. The end of the world sprouted a brand new idea, a notion and a calling to do social good. From Built in Chicago

Simeon Gets Down to Badge-ness with Other Thought Leaders at Educelerate

Simeon and other thought leaders at Educelerate. Check out the post on mentormob.com! Simeon and I then discussed how we are approaching badges from a startup’s point of view. Youtopia is pioneering a way for people to receive public credit for doing good (volunteering, giving blood, contributing to a food drive, etc.), and MentorMob is helping life long learners organize free online content into top notch “Learning Playlists”—so both projects consider themselves prime candidates for badges, which can: Motivate and encourage the completion of tasks and lessons Serve as a record keeping tool for participants Advertise a badge earner’s accomplishment publicly Identify trustworthy programs and curriculum

By demian|November 12th, 2012|Business Practices, News|Comments Off on Simeon Gets Down to Badge-ness with Other Thought Leaders at Educelerate

Youtopia wins Digital Media and Learning Competition

SAN FRANCISCO, March 5, 2012 — Youtopia is thrilled to announce that it is a winner in the fourth annual Digital Media & Learning Competition. Youtopia is one of just thirty winners chosen from a pool of several hundred applicants. The competition links designers, entrepreneurs, technologists and educators with leading industry organizations to build digital badge systems and explore the ways badges can be used to help people learn, demonstrate skills and knowledge, and unlock job, educational, and civic opportunities. The competition is held in collaboration with Mozilla Foundation, supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and administered by HASTAC.

By brett|August 21st, 2012|News|Comments Off on Youtopia wins Digital Media and Learning Competition